Older Americans Month

The U.S. Senate on May 18, 2017, unanimously approved a bipartisan resolution proposed by Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Bob Casey (D-Pa.), the Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Aging Committee, to designate the month of May as Older Americans Month, reportsWAGM TV.

"Every day, millions of seniors draw on their wisdom, experience, and skills to give back in countless ways," Collins says. "This resolution recognizes seniors' many contributions that benefit and strengthen our country and calls on all Americans to support policies that encourage older individuals' ongoing leadership and participation." More than 47.8 million people older than 65 reside in the U.S., comprising 14.9 percent of the total population. About 20 percent of Americans 65 and older are Armed Forces veterans. Casey lauds the Senate's approval of the resolution, noting "today's older Americans fought our wars, worked in our factories, taught our kids, and built the great American middle class."